Marianne "Merni" Medley

Marianne (Merni) Medley, formerly, Marianne Jones, 74, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Born on September 4, 1949 in Youngstown, Ohio, Merni's journey through life was marked by love, learning and creativity. She graduated from Chaney High School in 1967 and pursued her passion for knowledge, earning a Bachelor's degree in Classics from Akron University and later obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.

Merni married Carl F. Medley, Jr. on June 13, 1970, and their love story spanned 53 remarkable years, raising their family together in Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia. Merni is survived by her loving husband, Carl, and her four children and their spouses: Liz Garden (David) of Shrewsbury, MA, Emily Robbins (Michael) of Chesapeake, VA, Carl Medley, III (Liane) of Las Vegas, NV, and Philip Medley (Lauren) of Washington, DC. She was also a cherished grandmother, or "DeeDee", to Cameron, Will, Cayce, Lily, Emerson, Alex, Oliver, and her newest grandchild, Agnes Marianne. Her two younger sisters, Patricia and Susan, who both reside in Youngstown, Ohio, share in the family's grief. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elaine Luckhart and her stepfather Elton Luckhart of Naples, Florida, as well as her older brother, James Jones.

Merni was a loving wife and a devoted mother. Besides raising her own children, she also spent many years babysitting friends' children. She began her career in healthcare, serving as an x-ray technologist at Ohio State University Hospital where she and Carl met. When the family moved to Virginia, she spent time working at Sentara Norfolk General. In 1989, she began a new career and found her passion, teaching Latin at Cape Henry Collegiate School. Over the course of 25 years, Merni left an indelible mark on countless students and their families, as well as her CHC colleagues.

Besides being a lover of conjugations and Latin root words, Merni was a talented artist. From painting to woodworking to sewing and more, she always loved creating colorful art and sharing her creations with family and friends. She loved supporting her children and then eventually her grandchildren at their swim meets, baseball games, and basketball games. Merni was a swimmer when she was a young girl and returned to the water when she retired from teaching, enjoying peaceful early morning laps several days a week at the Virginia Beach Recreation Center. Merni also loved to travel, both as a teacher taking students on trips, and then in retirement with her husband. Greece and Italy were some of her favorite places to visit.

Merni embodied love and joy throughout her life, leaving behind a treasure trove of cherished memories. She lived by the motto, Carpe Diem - seize the day - and encouraged all her loved ones to embrace life's moments with the same zest.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at H.D. Oliver Funeral Home, 2002 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. A celebration of life will follow on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Spring Branch Community Church, 1500 N. Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. In her final years, Merni found solace in visits to the gardens with her husband, and contributions will honor her memory. Donations can be made over the phone at 757-441-5830, ext. 326, or sent via mail to: Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Attn: Emelie Zueger, 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518.

Merni's legacy of love, learning and artistry will forever enrich the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. The service will be Livestreamed, please check at hdoliver.com for further updates on how to livestream.